Congress Urged to Support National Service and ‘Social Innovation’

A New York Times editorial is urging lawmakers to allocate more money to the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal organization that oversees national-service programs.

In particular, the editorial argues that members of Congress should not “shortchange” the Social Innovation Fund, a program designed to help innovative charities. President Obama requested $50-million for the fund, but the House of Representatives allocated $35-million for it.

“That seems particularly unwise, given the need for fresh approaches and the willingness of foundations and philanthropists to match the federal investment,” says the editorial.

In all, the House budget for the corporation is $90-million less than what Mr. Obama had sought. The focus now turns to the Senate, which is set to deliberate over the federal budget.